“ I am the custodian of this 800-year-old heritage. ”
“ I am the custodian of this 800-year-old heritage. ”
Cistercian Monks
Following a donation from the Lord of Tonnerre in 1212, the monks of Quincy Abbey identified Epineuil as an exceptional terroir for quality wine production.
They then developed considerable activity around this beautiful vineyard, which quickly became renowned beyond our borders.
The vineyard prospered until it was destroyed by phylloxera at the end of the 19th century.
The winegrowers then replanted the best vineyard land.
Renewal
The terrible frosts of 1956 once again destroyed the vineyards.
This new injury and a change of generation meant that the activity was almost abandoned.
Motivated by André Durand, former mayor of the village, a handful of winegrowers set about reviving the production of Epineuil wines in the late 1970s.
Renewal
The terrible frosts of 1956 once again destroyed the vineyards.
This new injury and a change of generation meant that the activity was almost abandoned.
Motivated by André Durand, former mayor of the village, a handful of winegrowers set about reviving the production of Epineuil wines in the late 1970s.
The Gruhier family
In 1989, my parents Jean Paul and Malou Gruhier had the opportunity to take over the Abbaye du Petit Quincy, also known as Château d’Epineuil. Passionate about heritage and wide open spaces, this magnificent but dilapidated site was a major challenge that they courageously took up.
It is a place of remarkable beauty and serenity, typical of Cistercian sites.
In 1990, I took over 4.5 hectares of vines and joined my parents at Petit Quincy, where I reinvested in the outbuildings with a view to returning them to their original use as a wine cellar.
In 1991, my father added 16 hectares to the estate, which a winegrower also sold. A new underground vat room was built.
We spent years restoring the vineyard and the buildings. It was a long adventure strewn with pitfalls!
Gradually, however, the monks’ jewel case regained its splendour and its hospitable vocation, enabling us to welcome our visitors in an idyllic setting.
Over the years, I acquired new plots and planted vines in some very fine climates.
The Abbaye du Petit Quincy and Domaine Dominique Gruhier Vigneron now cover more than 32 hectares of vines, producing 14 different cuvées, selling wines in France and 30 other countries, and offering a wide range of wine tourism activities.
We look forward to welcoming you and sharing our passion with you.